2013 Subaru Brz problems
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
The 2+2 fastback coupé has a naturally-aspirated boxer engine, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance and low centre of gravity; it was inspired by Toyota's earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club and drift racing.
For the first-generation model, Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 in Asia, Australia, North America (from August 2016), South Africa, and South America; as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua and Jamaica and as the Scion FR-S (2012–2016) in the United States and Canada.
The second-generation model is marketed by Toyota as the GR86 as part of the Gazoo Racing family.
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Common 2013 Subaru Brz problems
The 2013 Subaru BRZ, being the first model year of the car, has been reported to have several common problems by owners.
In addition to the engine and transmission problems, the 2013 BRZ also had issues with misinformation about the passenger restraint system due to unclear statements in the owner's manual, as well as problems with crucial sensors like oxygen sensors that provide information to the ECU and affect the combustion.
Another issue that has affected the Subaru BRZ, particularly the first-generation models, is the potential for developing a head gasket crack, which can lead to oil and coolant leaks and, if left unaddressed, can cause the engine to seize entirely.
While the 2013 BRZ is the most problematic model year, other years have also had their share of issues. For example, the 2018 BRZ had the most problems with the fuel delivery system, although these issues were also present in the 2019 model, albeit less frequently.
It's worth noting that the Subaru BRZ is known for its high-revving four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine, which is unique in the automotive world.
In summary, the 2013 Subaru BRZ has been reported to have several significant issues related to the engine cooling and valve springs, as well as transmission problems and issues with the passenger restraint system and sensors. While the 2013 model year is the most problematic, other years have also had their share of issues, and it's crucial to be aware of these problems when considering a used BRZ.
Do 2013 BRZ have issues?
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
What are the biggest issues with the BRZ?
First, a known weakness within the system is the BRZ's throw bearings. If they wear out, you'll be looking at clutch problems.
Is a Subaru BRZ a reliable car?
The Subaru BRZ Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 20th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $672 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
What is the weakness of the BRZ?
We embarked on this undertaking to see if budget-minded upgrades could address the BRZ's (and the GR86's) primary shortcoming: weak brakes that don't stand up well to heavy abuse, which result in longer braking distances on the track and, ultimately, slower lap times.
Do 2013 BRZ have issues?
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
What are the biggest issues with the BRZ?
First, a known weakness within the system is the BRZ's throw bearings. If they wear out, you'll be looking at clutch problems.
How long do 2013 Subaru BRZ last?
The community responded by sharing that BRZs can last for over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Moreover, many users reported that their BRZs had reached high mileage without significant issues. Some users mentioned their daily-driven BRZs with 115,000 and 130,000 miles, respectively.
What is the weakness of the BRZ?
We embarked on this undertaking to see if budget-minded upgrades could address the BRZ's (and the GR86's) primary shortcoming: weak brakes that don't stand up well to heavy abuse, which result in longer braking distances on the track and, ultimately, slower lap times.
2013 Subaru Brz car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Brz problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Subaru Brz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2013 Subaru Brz
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Subaru Brz. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2013 Subaru Brz vehicles.
2024-04-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-25
- VIN: JF1ZCAC12D2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with maintenance failure. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 58,498.
2024-01-19
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-08
- VIN: JF1ZCAC14D2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: From the very first day I had these brakes pads installed they performed terribly. At low speeds, under 25mph, they would shriek and slightly shake the vehicle; far worse response at higher speeds. I read somewhere online that the remedy for this problem was to "wed" the pads to the existing rotors. So, I performed that as best as I could in a safe and sound manner which resulted in a continuation of the same sounds and violent pitching during braking. I continued to use them for about 4K miles until one day I approached a red stop light and stood on the brakes to make my vehicle stop and it barely responded in time to not cause an accident. I took my car to a dealership mechanic to review and their finding was that the pads severely warped my rotors and they needed to be fully replaced, pads and rotors. Cost me an additional $200 in labor on top of what I paid for parts. My car is now performing as it had in the past. I specifically requested and kept the parts that the dealership mechanic replaced as the Brembo pads were highly suspect to start with and I wanted to provide them as support for my claim here. If they're needed please reply back with an address to ship them to. Never once in the time I've driven my vehicle had I experienced that type of safety hazard before ~ 90K miles from November of 2012. This brake product should not be deemed safe for public roads.
2022-08-09
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-29
- VIN: JF1ZCAC1XD2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: We took the car into the dealership due to an engine light being on and the recall was something they informed us about and we decided to take care of it all at the same time. We have never recieved safety recall information from Subaru. My Son owned the car prior to us and purchased from Subaru dealership. After several weeks of the car being at the dealership and a very large bill we picked up the car and drove 14 miles and the engine light went on again. We returned the car to dealership and they had it another week at least and we picked it up again with no further engine light coming back on. The engine light never turned back on even when the car stalled out and heard a banging sound. We had car towed to Subaru dealership. The car has been there for several weeks and now they are telling us we need to pay 8000.00 to fix. The car seemed to have lost power after we had recall and feel that the our safety was at risk and my Sons safety as well due to not receiving safety recall notification and service of the recall not resolving the issue with the motor in fact making it worse. Subaru of America has let us know they have no responsibility and will not assist us with any repairs even though our car is stuck in another state and clearly this has been an ongoing issue with this make, model, and year. I had experienced the pressing on the brake and feeling acceleration but I thought maybe my foot had slipped or something as it only happened once. I am thankful that we were only driving between 35 and 45mph when the car actually died while driving.
2022-01-18
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-06
- VIN: JF1ZCAC12D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Took my 2013 BRZ Limited in for the Valve Spring recall. After work completed I was unable to get my car home before I had severe knocking, CEL, and power failure. Car was at dealership for over a month. After I got it back it's been driven 10k miles and has a rod bearing failure and all the same symptoms - power loss, grinding/knocking, and dash lights lit up.
2021-09-27
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1ZCAC11D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: BLOWN SHORT BLOCK / CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD, BROKEN CONNECTING ROD, $7000+ ESTIMATES FOR ENGINE REBUILD. MY BRZ STALLED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY.
2021-07-15
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-31
- VIN: JF1ZCAC16D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
2021-01-17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-17
- VIN: JF1ZCAB14D2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I HAD MY BRZ RECALL REPAIR IN THE SPRING OF 2019. IT TOOK ABOUT 3 WEEKS FOR THE SUBARU DEALER TO FIX THE SPRING VALVE. WHEN I RECEIVED IT BACK, MY ENGINE FELT A LITTLE ROUGH AND HAD A HIGH IDLE AND MADE SOME NOISE. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MUCH SINCE THE REPAIR, SO I DIDN'T NOTICE TOO MUCH OF AN ISSUE, BUT WAS PLANNING TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER WHEN COVID WAS LESS OF A RISK. TODAY, I DROVE MY CAR MAYBE 500 MILES SINCE THE REPAIR, AND AS I ACCELERATED ON TO THE HIGHWAY MY CAR STARTED REVVING REALLY HIGH, CHECK ENGINE LINE FLASHED ON AND THE CAR LOSE POWER AND STOPPED. IF I PRESSED ON THE GAS, IT STARTED TO DECLINE IN SPEED AND ULTIMATELY STOPPED. I MADE MY WAY TO THE RIGHT LANE, HIT THE HAZARDS AND WAITED STRESSFULLY FOR A TOW TRUCK AS CARS SPED BY ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE ISSUES LIKE I JUST EXPERIENCED SINCE THE RECALL FIX AND WANTED TO ADVISE YOU OF MY ISSUE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THE CAR BACK UP TO SAFETY STANDARDS.
2020-11-28
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-06
- VIN: JF1ZCAC18D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY CAR WAS RUNNING WITH ANY ISSUE UNTIL RIGHT AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE RECALL (VALVE SPRINGS) REPAIR WAS PERFORMED DURING THE WEEK OF MAY 6TH, 2019. I PICKED UP THE CAR ON MAY 11, 2019 AND THE ENGINE STALLED A FEW TIMES ON THE ROAD ON THE SAME DAY WHEN I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME. I CALLED THE DEALER THE SAME DAY I PICKED UP THE CAR AND LEFT THEM A MESSAGE ABOUT THE ENGINE STALL. THEN, ON MONDAY, MAY 13TH, I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO LOU FUSZ SUBARU ST. LOUIS. THE DEALER HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND THEY DROVE THE CAR A FEW TIMES BUT DID NOTHING TO FIX THE ENGINE STALL ISSUE.
2020-11-18
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-28
- VIN: JF1ZCAC17D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU BRZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF EL CAJON (900 ARNELE AVE, EL CAJON, CA 92020) TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. APPROXIMATELY 3,000 MILES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,233.
2020-11-12
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-03
- VIN: JF1ZCAC11D1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE FOLLOWING THE VALVE SPRING FACTORY RECALL. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE CRUISING ON A HIGHWAY. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. ELECTRONICS STILL FUNCTIONAL.
2020-10-09
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
- VIN: JF1ZCAB19D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WORK PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE FOR THE WTY-84 RECALL. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP (ANNAPOLIS SUBARU). AFTER MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE WORKMANSHIP MY CAR'S ENGINE IS BLOWN. ANNAPOLIS SUBARU HAS STATED THAT THEY HAVE WORKED ON MY VEHICLE LONG ENOUGH AND WILL NOT FIX THE BLOWN ENGINE. THE WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED WAS DONE DUE TO NEGILENCE WHILE PERFORMING THE RECALL, REQUIRING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF REPAIR, BEFORE THE RECALL WAS RESOLVED. THIS INCLUDED REPLACING MY HEAD DUE TO A VALVE ROCKER BECOMING DISLODGED IN THE ENGINE DURING A TEST DRIVE, BODY WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED, REPLACEMENT OF A CAM SPROCKET, AND REPLACEMENT OF MY ECU. NOW THAT MY ENGINE IS BLOWN, A COMMON ISSUE DUE TO THIS RECALL, ANNAPOLIS SUBARU IS STATING THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE IS NOT THEIR FAULT. THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AT 140,000 MILES. THE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURED 1000 MILES AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO LOUD TAPPING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WAS DIRECTED THAT THE NOISES WERE NOT DUE TO ENGINE DAMAGE, BUT DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.
2020-07-22
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-06
- VIN: JF1ZCAC15D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY 2013 SUBARU BRZ WAS RECALLED AND "REPAIRED" FOR FAULTY VALVE SPRINGS AT MAGUIRE SUBARU IN ITHACA, NY IN SPRING 2019 AT 45,000 MILES. 700 MILES LATER ON JUNE 6, 2020, I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN MOTION! MAGUIRE HAS HAD MY CAR FOR 8 WEEKS NOW. AFTER A SHORT BLOCK REPLACEMENT, THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE WHOLE ENGINE WHICH IS NOW ALSO EXPERIENCING MORE VALVE PROBLEMS. WHEN WILL THIS BE RESOLVED???? RECALL THE RECALL??
2020-07-19
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-19
- VIN: JF1ZCAC13D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I TOOK MY 2013 SUBARU BRZ TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR THE WTY84 FA20 VALVE SPRING RECALL ON DECEMBER 24, 2019. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT MY CAR FOR THREE MONTHS AND I PICKED UP MY CAR ON MARCH 31, 2020 AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. TWO AND A HALF MONTHS LATER, AND ONLY 1,600 MILES SINCE THE REPAIRS, ON JUNE 19, 2020 MY CAR STARTED LOSING POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND STALLED. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. STRANDED, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER CHECKED THE BATTERY, WHICH WAS IN GOOD HEALTH, AND TRIED TO JUMP-START THE ENGINE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HE CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IMMEDIATELY SAW METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL ADHERING TO THE DIPSTICK. HE LATER TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE CAR STARTED BUT THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A LOUD HORRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE. AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD A ROD KNOCK, AND POSSIBLE BROKEN ROD BEARING WITH SIGNS OF ENGINE FAILURE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1,450 FOR A TEAR DOWN TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, AND ADDITIONAL FOR ANY REPAIRS. THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANY METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PRIOR TO THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRS BEING DONE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE. REGULAR OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED EVERY 5,000 TO 7,500 MILES BY A LICENSED MECHANIC USING ONLY MOBIL 1 FULL SYNTHETIC MOTOR OIL AND OIL QUALITY AND LEVELS HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT BETWEEN CHANGES. THE CAR HAS 72,000 MILES AND HAS WORKED WONDERFULLY UP UNTIL NOW.
2020-07-06
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: JF1ZCAC18D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE DUE TO THE VALVE SPRINGS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN ENGINE FAILURE. I PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE ENGINE COMPLETELY TWICE DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE, AND I PROVIDED THE RECEIPTS WHERE THE ORIGINAL PARTS WERE REPLACED, AND DONE SO WITH HIGHER QUALITY COMPONENTS AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE. HOWEVER, BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED RESPONDING TO MY COMMUNICATION REQUESTS VIA PHONE AND EMAIL AND DESPITE FOLLOWING UP IN PERSON AS WELL, AND WERE SILENT WHEN I STATED THAT THEY WERE DENYING ME A PATH TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE DESPITE THE PART HAVING BEEN REPLACED AND THE ORIGINAL MOTOR NO LONGER BEING IN THE VEHICLE, WHICH THEY REQUIRED IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE SERVICE. THE FIRST TIME THE MOTOR FAILED, I WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN THE MOTOR STALLED OUT. THE SECOND TIME, THE MOTOR JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATING STRONGLY. BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT IT TO A MECHANIC TO FIX THE MOTOR, THE SECOND TIME I HAD IT REBUILD WITH STRONGER COMPONENTS AND I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS FROM OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THEIR RECALLS COMPLETED BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTERS, THE ONLY ONES AUTHORIZED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS, AND THAT SUBSEQUENTLY HAD THEIR MOTORS FAIL DESPITE THERE BEING NOTHING WRONG TO BEGIN WITH. I DO NOT WANT MY VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN REPAIRED WITH STRONGER COMPONENTS TO HAVE RECALL WORK DONE THAT CAN YOURSELF THE SAME TERRIBLE RESULTS, REPLACING STRONGER COMPONENTS WITH INFERIOR COMPONENTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN I PAID OUT OF POCKET TO DO SO AND DO NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES. I'M CURRENTLY UNABLE TO REGISTER THE VEHICLE DUE TO THIS IMPASSE AND BLOCK ON MY CURRENT REGISTRATION DUE TO THE INCOMPLETE RECALL, SUFFERING OVER A YEAR WORTH OF LOSS OF USE.
2020-06-21
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-20
- VIN: JF1ZCAB18D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE HAD RECALL WORK PREFORMED AT 33,266 MILES AND FAILURE HAPPENED AT 35,915
2020-06-15
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-13
- VIN: JF1ZCAB16D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: IN LATE 2018 I WAS NOTIFIED BY SUBARU OF THE VALVE SPRING RECALL FOR MY 2013 BRZ. I CARRIED MY CAR IN ON MARCH 31ST 2020 TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE. I PICKED MY CAR UP ON APRIL 9TH 2020. ON APRIL 14TH 2020, AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, MY ENGINE STALLED AT A RED LIGHT. IT RESTARTED ON THE FIRST TRY WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHT ON. I DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY BACK TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THAT EVERYTHING WAS DONE CORRECTLY. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS FAULT P0017 AND THROTTLE BODY CARBON UP. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN ECM UPDATE AND CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME. NO CHARGES WERE INCURRED. ON MAY 12TH 2020 WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ONCE AGAIN. I AGAIN BROUGHT THE CAR BACK INTO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED OUT. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS FAULT P0171 SYSTEM TOO LEAN. CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND FOUND NONE. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS CLEANED AND THE CAR RETURNED TO ME. NO CHARGES WERE INCURRED AS IT WAS ADMITTED THAT DEBRIS COULD HAVE GOTTEN IN THE SENSOR WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OPEN PERFORMING THE RECALL. ON JUNE 4TH 2020 , AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME 5 TRIES TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE TO NO AVAIL. ON THE 6TH TRY THE ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS ON. I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. MY CAR WAS KEPT FOR 1 WEEK AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A BAD MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. I WAS CHARGED $651.44 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. MY CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON JUNE 12TH 2020. ON JUNE 13TH 2020 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHT WAS BACK ON. WHEN I CARRIED MY CAR IN ON MARCH 31ST 2020, THERE WERE NO PRIOR ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE OR ANY OTHER COMPONENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CAR DROVE AND FUNCTIONED PERFECTLY FINE. THERE HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRZ RECALL MAKING ENGINES. I BELIEVE I'VE FELL VICTIM TO THIS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE SUBARU/TOYOTA VALVE SPRING RECALL FOR 2013 BRZ AND FRS. *TR
2020-05-28
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-16
- VIN: JF1ZCAB15D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VALVE SPRING RECALL (SUBARU RECALL WTY-84 AND NHTSA ID 18V-772) WAS PERFORMED AUG-SEP 2019. ON MARCH 16, 2020 WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WAS EXPERIENCING ROD KNOCK AND HAD TO BE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO FARRISH SUBARU IN FAIRFAX, VA. THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS TORN DOWN, SHORT BLOCK AND LONG BLOCK. FOUND A BEARING FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION. IT IS NOW MAY 28, 2020, OVER 10 WEEKS SINCE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I STILL DO NOT HAVE MY CAR BACK. I HAVE SR #[XXX] CASE NUMBER WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA WHO I CONTACTED TO GET INVOLVED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT SUBARU BRZ, SCION FRS, TOYOTA 86S HAVING SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH A LOT HAVING SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS AFTER THE RECALL NUMBERS STATED ABOVE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2020-04-17
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-09
- VIN: JF1ZCAC13D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU BRZ. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO COURTESY SUBARU OF CHICO (896 EAST AVE, CHICO, CA 95926) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON RETURNING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE KNOCKING SOUND PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KNOCKING SOUND WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
2020-02-14
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-13
- VIN: JF1ZCAC10D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: HAD FACTORY VALVE SPRING RECALL COMPLETED BY SUBARU. THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE VALVE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAYS THE CAR NEEDS AT A MINIMUM AN ENGINE SHORT BLOCK, HEADS AND VALVE WORK.
2020-01-24
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-05
- VIN: JF1ZCAC15D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: IN MARCH 2019, I HAD MY BRZ BROUGHT TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR A VALVE SPRING RECALL. IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BEFORE THEY GOT IT RIGHT, AND 5000 MILES LATER, MY ENGINE IS BLOWN UP. I'VE READ ON SEVERAL WEBSITES THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER BRZ AND TOYOTA FRS OWNERS/CARS. I HAD 47,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE RECALL. NOW I HAVE A BROKEN/BLOWN OR REPAIRABLE ENGINE ON MY HANDS. I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HEAR THIS HORRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE AND MY CAR LOST POWER AND THEN SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL AAA FOR A TOW. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME IT WILL COST OVER $8000 TO REPLACE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! SO I AM FILING A COMPLAINT.
2019-11-21
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-17
- VIN: JF1ZCAC15D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ON JULY 17 2019 WE BOUGHT THE 2013 SUBARU BRZ FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP. AT THE TIME OF SALE WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OPEN RECALL, THEREFORE WE HAD ASKED THAT THE RECALL BE SERVICED PRIOR TO TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP ON JULY 26, 2019. LESS THAN 4 MONTHS LATER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2019, SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A CLICKING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED THE CODE WAS READING 'INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE'. WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RECALL, IT WAS DISMISSED SAYING THAT THE RECALL HAD TO DO WITH THE TOP PART OF THE ENGINE AND THIS APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM. THEY ARE CURRENTLY WORKING TO TAKE APART THE ENGINE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE TO HAVE IT COVERED UNDER THE LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. BASED ON ALL COMPLAINTS IT APPEARS THIS ISSUE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SERVICE PROVIDED ON THE RECALL.
2019-11-07
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-30
- VIN: JF1ZCAB13D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU BRZ. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. OCEAN SUBARU OF FULLERTON (LOCATED AT 1100 S EUCLID ST, FULLERTON, CA 92832, (888) 428-2419) WAS CALLED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
2019-10-08
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-04
- VIN: JF1ZCAB16D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: IN APRIL 2019, I BROUGHT MY 2013 SUBARU BRZ TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR VALVE SPRING RECALL. ABOUT 5 MONTHS LATER WHILE I'M DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, MY CAR MAKING LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND VIBRATE AGGRESSIVELY. I'M VERY FORTUNATE THAT I MAKE IT HOME SAFE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AFTER VALVE SPRING RECALL DONE. I TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WILL COST $1800 TO TEAR MY ENGINE APART AND CHECK FOR PROBLEM. I CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE AND THEY SAID THIS IS WORKMANSHIP ISSUE AND I NEED TO DEAL WITH THE DEALERSHIP. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A DEAD CAR. MY CAR WAS PERFECTLY FUNCTION BEFORE THE RECALL DONE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.
2019-09-11
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-14
- VIN: JF1ZCAB10D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU BRZ. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. PRIOR TO THE CONTACT TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS SERVICED AT WILSONVILLE SUBARU, 9200 SW BAILEY ST, WILSONVILLE, OR 97070, 503-946-9203) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR LATER ILLUMINATED AS THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO BUD CLARY SUBARU (961 COMMERCE AVE, LONGVIEW, WA 98632, 360-575-6868) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IF THE FAILURE WAS LINKED TO THE RECALL, THE DEALER WOULD SERVICE THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. IF THE FAILURE WAS NOT LINKED TO THE RECALL, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,743.
2019-08-13
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-28
- VIN: JF1ZCAC13D1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: IN MARCH 2019 I TOOK MY CAR INTO SUBARU FOR A FACTORY RECALL ON THE VALVE SPRINGS. THEY DID THE WORK AND I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER THAT MY CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CALLED SUBARU AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THAT I THINK SOMETHING WENT WRONG DUE TO THE RECALL WORK THEY DID ON MY VALVE SPRINGS. THEY ASSURED ME IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WORK THEY DID BUT THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT MY VEHICLE. AFTER RETURNING THE CAR TO THE RETAILER THAT WORKED ON IT PREVIOUSLY I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO PURCHASE A NEW SHORT BLOCK BECAUSE OF "OIL STARVATION IN CYLINDER 3" AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TOP END OF THE ENGINE WHERE THEY WORKED AT PREVIOUSLY. I AUTHORIZED THE WORK AND THEY DID NOT GIVE ME A RENTAL/ LONER VEHICLE FOR THE TWO MOTHS THEY HAD MY CAR WORKING ON IT. I PAID THE $2,311.25 TO GET MY CAR BACK AND BEFORE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT THE CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK IT BACK AND TOLD THEM MY CAR WAS NOT FIXED. SINCE, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAM SPROCKET WENT BAD ( IN THE TOP END OF THE MOTOR WHERE THEY SAID THEY INSPECTED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE BEFORE ) AND THAT I MAY NEED A NEW ECU. I CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE AND STARTED A CLAIM WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR SOME HELP BUT THAT GOT ME NOWHERE AND IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT GETTING ANY INFORMATION FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN CHARGE OF FIXING MY VEHICLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AFTER THE FACTORY RECALL ON THE VALVE SPRINGS WHICH LEADS ME TO MAKING A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA 3 MOTHS AFTER I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO GET SERVICED.
2013 Subaru Brz recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2013 Subaru Brz.
2018-11-01
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
- Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
2012-06-05
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.
- Consequence: MISINFORMATION COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
- Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED OWNERS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Positive 2013 Subaru Brz car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Subaru Brz problems:
Here Are The Subaru BRZ Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/subaru-brz-years-to-avoid/
Sep 6, 2022 ... Some of these problems are related to a recall for a valve spring failure and engine stalling. Subaru's recall affected the entire 2013 BRZ ...
2013 owners, what problems have you had so far with your car? : r/ft86
https://www.reddit.com/r/ft86/comments/7uh57h/2013_owners_what_problems_have_you_had_so_far/
Feb 1, 2018 ... 2013 owners, what problems have you had so far with your car? · Cam plate leak. · Passenger window switch auto function is finicky · HVAC temp is ...
Subaru BRZ: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/subaru/brz/common-problems
Subaru BRZ Common Problems and Solutions · Knocking From Steering Rack · Unusual Noise From Clutch (Manuals) · Condensation In Rear Lights · Poor engine idling ...
Is there any problems with the first generation (2013) BRZ? : r/ft86
https://www.reddit.com/r/ft86/comments/ci7g4q/is_there_any_problems_with_the_first_generation/
Jul 27, 2019 ... I might hold onto my car for another year or two and then grab a 2014 or 15.
common faults - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum ...
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131388
Nov 14, 2018 ... im a new owner of a sub brz 15' . i would like to know what are the common faults/known and weak spots of these cars and what to look for to ...
Other years of Subaru Brz
Are you having problems with your 2013 Subaru Brz?
Brant Jacobs 2024-10-23
I love this car! Although it requires premium gas, it is very economical and can go more miles.
Korbin White 2024-06-24
My wife and I were on the hunt for a sports car and we looked at several different models. After much consideration, she fell in love with the BRZ. It took some time, but we finally found one in inventory in ATL that was not yet in dealer stock. We went in and put down a deposit. We had test-driven the Scion version and it was okay, but not great, so we weren't sure if we would buy it when it came in. However, it was well worth the wait. The BRZ drives much better than the FRS and the quality of the interior, along with the few upgraded options, are great. It's a fantastic little car! If you can find one, it's definitely worth considering.
Fernando Wolf 2024-05-16
This car is such a blast to drive! The handling is good, and the gas mileage is stellar. However, it does get rather loud on the highway.
Kolby Hermiston 2024-05-05
I'm so glad I finally have a car that's this much fun to drive!
Afton Runolfsdottir 2024-02-25
It sounds like you've got a great car on your hands! From what you've said, it seems like it's been very reliable with virtually no warranty or maintenance issues. The handling is probably its strong point, with both good acceleration and braking. It's like having a 60's sports car without any of the daily maintenance!